Women's Footballer of the Year Contender Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Forward Teams: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo made history with her club as they emerged as the first British team to win the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading the Lionesses to the defence of their European Championship title.

Russo found the net in the European Championship showpiece match and found her groove for her club, making significant contributions throughout the season in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

The forward was honored as the FWA's women's footballer of the year for last season.

Russo finished as the Women's Super League's joint top scorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with her rival striker.

She scored 12 league goals for the club and provided assists for a further two.

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and selected in the Professional Footballers' Association and the European teams of the year.

Her thoughts on personal development over the past year:

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I'm confident I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so that's something that I can always control.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it requires precision and there are so many fine margins. I continue to develop. Our staff is excellent here at the club. I have great players to learn off as well. Then when the important matches come around, the greater your experience, the more you get used to them."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It was emotionally really hard. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I remember after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, a lot of us were extremely sore and injured. The pressure was immense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"In my view the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just determination and toughness. And we were aware that we had the squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the top sides in the world, the elite athletes in the world and sometimes you have to grind out results."

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that entire occasion was just being so calm, like we knew our preparation was complete, we knew that we had what it takes, and we knew that we trusted the game plan and what we aimed to achieve.

"Naturally playing against a side such as Barça, you must accept not possessing the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it that often.

"As players in the press and out of possession, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that led to success. I think that you have to be OK winning games like that as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of seeing her play a couple of occasions with my father. Seeing her for England, too, her talent was remarkable. I wish that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she was one of the best ever.

"I think anyone that has played with Kelly would say the same thing and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But watching her was someone that I always used to love."

The striker scored 12 goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League last season to divide the Golden Boot.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the league but Russo was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, attempting more efforts (73) and having a higher expected goals tally (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team outside of her goals distinguishes her.

Fellow player a teammate often delivered progressive passes into her, so strong hold-up play was essential.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a marker got in tight, Russo used her physicality to win free-kicks, helping her team gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League last season, no player was fouled more than the forward (fifteen).

When the play settles, Russo's touches are highly effective. Her frequent scanning of her environment means she remains aware of where rivals are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from opposing players marking closely, before locating close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

By keeping possession in tough situations, she is often capable to act as an outlet for her team under pressure.

She can convert tough balls into long periods of stable possession and such phases in the attacking zone result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.